Good morning everyone!

I have put down my Austin Matthews flag....so no worries there.......

My largest concern is opening night and the 81 games that follow. By that I mean, I cringe at the thought of the Hawks leaving Bedard on an island with linemates of Reichel and Tyler Johnson. I just don't see how that works and helps this kid grow. i get and hope he sniffs even half the hype/expectations on him and can propel guys but for a 17-18 yr old I think that's a VERY tall task as of now.

i think most of us can agree that on the team that finished game 82 last year.....we have maybe Reichel (so far so good) and Seth Jones as givens to be on this team when the window to win opens in 3-5 years. Maybe Raddysh as well. A guys like Kurashev is still too up/down for me and could be replaced by a cheaper, younger kid they draft this year or next year.

The rest of these guys are really just place holders and hopefully can be sold off at highest value for a prospect and/or pick.

The other thing I have to keep reminding myself is that when Toews/Kane hit the show in 2007-08....this team already had Sharp, Havlat, Keith, Seabrook, a veteran proven goalie in Khabibulin, and the depth pieces were already getting time...hammer, Bolland, Brouwer, Buff, Burish, Barker, etc.

So therein lies the issue.....I am almost in the camp to leave Bedard in Juniors another year, assuming it doesn't royally piss him off LT, and shoot for another top end pick. Have the kid get bigger/stronger or put in the AHL if he has accomplished all he has to at his current level.

I also feel given the above, I don't see the reasoning in taking #19 or #2 0 +plus picks to move up in the draft unless some can't miss kid tumbles...say the Russian kid. Otherwise, and all the draft gurus can correct me, is the gap between say prospect #6-#20 negligible or is a steep drop off?
- SteveRain

Well all those new season ticket holders will be pissed if Bedard stays another year in the Juniors. But what other Hawks forward prospect will be ready to play in 2024-25 if Bedard stays in the juniors another year? Possibly Nazar. he won't help that much. Might as well start the clock rolling this season.

Since the Hawks don't have a supporting cast of forward in Rockford to bring up and play with him, KD will have to find a few decent guys via trade or free agency to play with him. Have to reach the cap floor anyway. Domi would be a good start along with another guy or two on 3 year 4-5M contracts. These would drop off the books when Bedard finishes his 3 year ELC.

Good morning everyone!

I have put down my Austin Matthews flag....so no worries there.......

My largest concern is opening night and the 81 games that follow. By that I mean, I cringe at the thought of the Hawks leaving Bedard on an island with linemates of Reichel and Tyler Johnson. I just don't see how that works and helps this kid grow. i get and hope he sniffs even half the hype/expectations on him and can propel guys but for a 17-18 yr old I think that's a VERY tall task as of now.

i think most of us can agree that on the team that finished game 82 last year.....we have maybe Reichel (so far so good) and Seth Jones as givens to be on this team when the window to win opens in 3-5 years. Maybe Raddysh as well. A guys like Kurashev is still too up/down for me and could be replaced by a cheaper, younger kid they draft this year or next year.

The rest of these guys are really just place holders and hopefully can be sold off at highest value for a prospect and/or pick.

The other thing I have to keep reminding myself is that when Toews/Kane hit the show in 2007-08....this team already had Sharp, Havlat, Keith, Seabrook, a veteran proven goalie in Khabibulin, and the depth pieces were already getting time...hammer, Bolland, Brouwer, Buff, Burish, Barker, etc.

So therein lies the issue.....I am almost in the camp to leave Bedard in Juniors another year, assuming it doesn't royally piss him off LT, and shoot for another top end pick. Have the kid get bigger/stronger or put in the AHL if he has accomplished all he has to at his current level.

I also feel given the above, I don't see the reasoning in taking #19 or #20 +plus picks to move up in the draft unless some can't miss kid tumbles...say the Russian kid. Otherwise, and all the draft gurus can correct me, is the gap between say prospect #6-#20 negligible or is a steep drop off?
- SteveRain

the front office with all those extra season tickets they have sold (and jerseys they will sell once his name is announced) will put any Kabosh on any thought of Bedard playing anywhere but Chicago this year.

Good morning everyone!

I have put down my Austin Matthews flag....so no worries there.......

My largest concern is opening night and the 81 games that follow. By that I mean, I cringe at the thought of the Hawks leaving Bedard on an island with linemates of Reichel and Tyler Johnson. I just don't see how that works and helps this kid grow. i get and hope he sniffs even half the hype/expectations on him and can propel guys but for a 17-18 yr old I think that's a VERY tall task as of now.

i think most of us can agree that on the team that finished game 82 last year.....we have maybe Reichel (so far so good) and Seth Jones as givens to be on this team when the window to win opens in 3-5 years. Maybe Raddysh as well. A guys like Kurashev is still too up/down for me and could be replaced by a cheaper, younger kid they draft this year or next year.

The rest of these guys are really just place holders and hopefully can be sold off at highest value for a prospect and/or pick.

The other thing I have to keep reminding myself is that when Toews/Kane hit the show in 2007-08....this team already had Sharp, Havlat, Keith, Seabrook, a veteran proven goalie in Khabibulin, and the depth pieces were already getting time...hammer, Bolland, Brouwer, Buff, Burish, Barker, etc.

So therein lies the issue.....I am almost in the camp to leave Bedard in Juniors another year, assuming it doesn't royally piss him off LT, and shoot for another top end pick. Have the kid get bigger/stronger or put in the AHL if he has accomplished all he has to at his current level.

I also feel given the above, I don't see the reasoning in taking #19 or #20 +plus picks to move up in the draft unless some can't miss kid tumbles...say the Russian kid. Otherwise, and all the draft gurus can correct me, is the gap between say prospect #6-#20 negligible or is a steep drop off?
- SteveRain

Let's see what the roster looks like in August before we start talking about Bedard in Rockford. Based on the current roster, I like the idea. Sykura would be a great mentor

Compared to 2009, it seems like teams are rushing the development of their top picks so that they can squeeze as much production out of that ELC as they can, that didn't work so well with Dach. I think with the spike of season ticket sales right after the draft lottery, KD might feel a little pressure to sign a couple of FA forwards and have at least one good top 6 line on the ice to keep the fans interested.

I would not take Garland, unless a #1 draft pick is attached. Not with 3 years left, and the fact the cash outlay is more than the cap hit. With that contract, the only way he would be flippable at the TDL is if the Hawks retain, and they already retain on Mc Cabe for 2 more years.
- LAHawk

I think the going rate is a 2nd rounder, it's what we got from Ottawa and TB for Zaitsev and Johnson, Mrazek we moved up in the draft with Toronto so including Myers would be a bit rich but definitely can see us swapping 1st round picks, even better if we could keep 19 or 21 and swap our 35th for the 11th but just don't see that happening unless we take Myers as well.

Let's see what the roster looks like in August before we start talking about Bedard in Rockford. Based on the current roster, I like the idea. Sykura would be a great mentor

Compared to 2009, it seems like teams are rushing the development of their top picks so that they can squeeze as much production out of that ELC as they can, that didn't work so well with Dach. I think with the spike of season ticket sales right after the draft lottery, KD might feel a little pressure to sign a couple of FA forwards and have at least one good top 6 line on the ice to keep the fans interested.
- Dieselhead

I agree with you Diesel and LA and that's what I brought up yesterday....the pressure from Faulkner to make sure they appease all these news ticketholders and sponsors. Fine line to walk vs what is right for the kid/organization long term.

I just cringe sitting here around Thanksgiving when it's revisionist history because Bedard is only at a 0.5 ppg pace because he's skating with 9-12 Fs on a contender. hard ask for a young kid and lets hope he can absolve it mentally after having massive success at every other level in his hockey career.

Again, see where the roster stands.....and I am OK signing a few guys short term )3 years term TOPS) to help this kid...but also realizing if they do that.....they arent likely to get a pick in the top 5 baring a lottery win....so they need to hit on these picks higher up while they have them....which circles back to the thought of using almost all of them this year to overwhelm the system with best available so that way LT if you do have a hole inhouse, you can deal from a strength to plug the hole and find your Ladd, Sharp, Versteegs of the world elsewhere.

Good morning everyone!

I have put down my Austin Matthews flag....so no worries there.......

My largest concern is opening night and the 81 games that follow. By that I mean, I cringe at the thought of the Hawks leaving Bedard on an island with linemates of Reichel and Tyler Johnson. I just don't see how that works and helps this kid grow. i get and hope he sniffs even half the hype/expectations on him and can propel guys but for a 17-18 yr old I think that's a VERY tall task as of now.

i think most of us can agree that on the team that finished game 82 last year.....we have maybe Reichel (so far so good) and Seth Jones as givens to be on this team when the window to win opens in 3-5 years. Maybe Raddysh as well. A guys like Kurashev is still too up/down for me and could be replaced by a cheaper, younger kid they draft this year or next year.

The rest of these guys are really just place holders and hopefully can be sold off at highest value for a prospect and/or pick.

The other thing I have to keep reminding myself is that when Toews/Kane hit the show in 2007-08....this team already had Sharp, Havlat, Keith, Seabrook, a veteran proven goalie in Khabibulin, and the depth pieces were already getting time...hammer, Bolland, Brouwer, Buff, Burish, Barker, etc.

So therein lies the issue.....I am almost in the camp to leave Bedard in Juniors another year, assuming it doesn't royally piss him off LT, and shoot for another top end pick. Have the kid get bigger/stronger or put in the AHL if he has accomplished all he has to at his current level.

I also feel given the above, I don't see the reasoning in taking #19 or #20 +plus picks to move up in the draft unless some can't miss kid tumbles...say the Russian kid. Otherwise, and all the draft gurus can correct me, is the gap between say prospect #6-#20 negligible or is a steep drop off?
- SteveRain

Hahaha it's all good Steve, i enjoy the debate, many times everyone here brings up things that i do think about and consider.

I think the going rate is a 2nd rounder, it's what we got from Ottawa and TB for Zaitsev and Johnson, Mrazek we moved up in the draft with Toronto so including Myers would be a bit rich but definitely can see us swapping 1st round picks, even better if we could keep 19 or 21 and swap our 35th for the 11th but just don't see that happening unless we take Myers as well.
- BetweenTheDots

Hawks could just sign Pius Suter and not have to take on the contract for 3 more years. I don't think having Garland around for 3 more years is worth a second round draft choice. Sign AA for another year, he has better offensive stats than Garland, and maybe this year you can flip him at the deadline, if not you are not obligated to him for 2 more years after this.

Corey Pronman of the Athletic published his full first round 2023 mock draft today.

He has the Hawks taking Bedard with their first pick. This might be a bit of a stretch, but I could see KD taking a chance on #98.

With their second pick he has the Hawks selecting Brayden Yager. He may not be my first choice at this spot, but I’d be happy with Yager. Mind you, he has the Hawks picking #20, at #19 Pronman has the Jets taking Oliver Moore. Would the Hawks take Moore over Yager? Right now, I’d take Halttunen or Danielson with the Hawks second 1st round pick. .
- DarthKane

Alas, I see Danielson off his board at #11.

Like I illustrated with that long ordered prospect list yesterday(?) there is a lot to like, to develop in #19/20.

IF Ollie Moore is on the board you get one of the best skating players and a guy who the US program expects to be their #1 centre with the college departures.

I guess the difference between me and Corey is I see all the Russians as drop down favorites, not just Michkov. His list doesn't reflect that.

And I think pro teams/scouts don't usually let the last international tournament (April's U-18) skew their 4 year scouting profiles.

Sure I saw how well Willander skates and upside, but I see no dynamic skills or impact to have me take a chance early first with this draft forward class.
That hold true in my mind for every Russian forward in the mix on his board also.

And I am going to stand strong win my opinion that all the defenseman in that end of the first don't leap frog this talented forwards.

(Hey if he is correct, more forwards there at #35 & 44.)

To think Otto Sternberg, Oliver Moore, Brayden Yager, and moreover Eduard Šalé...and
an opportunity to roll the dice on Charlie Stramel or Kasper Halttunen before we select again at #44.

This is all icing on the cake.

I don't think we can be miffed at selecting any one of them.

Let's see what the roster looks like in August before we start talking about Bedard in Rockford.
- Dieselhead

I do believe he cannot go to Rockford at his age and league.

from what im reading I think if we took garland and sawp picks that would be about it. teams do not want term for guys that are being over paid. 3years is alot at nearly 5 mil for a small 3rd line player. I would sawp picks and take garland. LA could be a fit with peterson coming back to CHi. I know it general alot of this happens startign the day before the draft thru UFA starting. But im bored if they could start making one trade a week I would apprecaite it.
- kmw4631

Hahaha, myself I'm good knowing we got the 1st pick. Curious to see what KD does after that 1st pick and maybe eating some more salary to move about the draft board

I brought this up yesterday and while I LOVE JT....if they were going to do it, and IF, the player was onboard with it...>I would bring back Kane.

Kane can 100% relate to Bedard. Young, cocky, all skill, etc.....kane can help him and be there when the kid runs into adjustments the league will make on him and how to adapt, how to avoid getting killed until he grows into his body, etc.

Again....all for moot as I feel both are long gone. JT had his goodbye.....and Kane likely did as well. Just hope the Hawks don't leave Bedard on an island in a room with Tyler Johnson, Murphy and Seth Jones....
- SteveRain

Holy crap. Aside from the fact that KD isn't going to offer Kane or JT another contract, and has publicly stated that he wants the new players to grow into leadership roles themselves, there is this.

https://twitter.com/SNYRa...?cxt=HHwWqMC96fLkwPMtAAAA

Patrick Kane is asked about possibly returning to the Blackhawks in free agency:

"They're rebuilding, so that's never crossed my mind to be honest with you"

Let. It. Go.

I do believe he cannot go to Rockford at his age and league.
- wiz1901

He's going to play in the minors just like i am, hahaha

Lots of secenarios involving cap dumps.

If Dubas is still around with Toronto this summer, will he attempt to trade Matt Murray this summer?
- boilermaker100

Think about the that looks: leafs pay hawks twice to unload goalies.

In the next three draft years, Toronto only has two #1 (Bostion's & theirs in 2024, two threes and one fourth.

You's think it is time to start looking at the future re-shape if the Leafs don't miraculously win some more enow.

Good morning everyone!

I have put down my Austin Matthews flag....so no worries there.......

My largest concern is opening night and the 81 games that follow. By that I mean, I cringe at the thought of the Hawks leaving Bedard on an island with linemates of Reichel and Tyler Johnson. I just don't see how that works and helps this kid grow. i get and hope he sniffs even half the hype/expectations on him and can propel guys but for a 17-18 yr old I think that's a VERY tall task as of now.

i think most of us can agree that on the team that finished game 82 last year.....we have maybe Reichel (so far so good) and Seth Jones as givens to be on this team when the window to win opens in 3-5 years. Maybe Raddysh as well. A guys like Kurashev is still too up/down for me and could be replaced by a cheaper, younger kid they draft this year or next year.

The rest of these guys are really just place holders and hopefully can be sold off at highest value for a prospect and/or pick.

The other thing I have to keep reminding myself is that when Toews/Kane hit the show in 2007-08....this team already had Sharp, Havlat, Keith, Seabrook, a veteran proven goalie in Khabibulin, and the depth pieces were already getting time...hammer, Bolland, Brouwer, Buff, Burish, Barker, etc.

So therein lies the issue.....I am almost in the camp to leave Bedard in Juniors another year, assuming it doesn't royally piss him off LT, and shoot for another top end pick. Have the kid get bigger/stronger or put in the AHL if he has accomplished all he has to at his current level.

I also feel given the above, I don't see the reasoning in taking #19 or #20 +plus picks to move up in the draft unless some can't miss kid tumbles...say the Russian kid. Otherwise, and all the draft gurus can correct me, is the gap between say prospect #6-#20 negligible or is a steep drop off?
- SteveRain

Let’s forget about if the team will let Bedard play in junior next year, it’s a foregone conclusion. GM built good vehicles when the Engineers and cars guys had a say then built crap when the bean counters took over. The question is “should” Bedard play in the WHL next season. As you say he’s not going to get a chance to grow with crappy line mates. Another season in junior allows him to physically grow. Another season in junior means he has a chance to be on winning teams in Regina and for Canada in the World Juniors. And he can work on the defensive side of the game. And it gives the Hawks more salary control before he commands a huge payday. The reasons he should play with the big club. He’s ready. He can start with a mediocre lineup and possibly get more responsibilities including defensively. In LK he’ll play for a coach who demands allot and who he can grow with.

He’s playing with Chicago next season and I’m dying to know how many #98 jersey are going to be sold.

Season tickets, individual tickets are going to steadily continue to rise, and Bedard's early pro performances are not going to affect long term development...when the pieces are filed around the keystone, no one here should wast their breath or concern by his "production."

Season tickets, individual tickets are going to steadily continue to rise, and Bedard's early pro performances are not going to affect long term development...when the pieces are filed around the keystone, no one here should wast their breath or concern by his "production."
- wiz1901

I was wondering how I can get the "Wizard 3" off my black Blackhawk sweater?

Thank goodness a Connor Garland like contract is not in KD's radar


Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
The Blackhawks will need to sign/acquire some decently paid players this summer simply to hit the salary cap floor, but Davidson says they won't be long-term contracts — they want to keep flexibility long-term.
7:22 AM · Apr 13, 2023
·
20.5K
Views

Lots of secenarios involving cap dumps.

If Dubas is still around with Toronto this summer, will he attempt to trade Matt Murray this summer? Owed 8M cash on the last year of his deal even though the cap hit is 6.25M. Will Dubas and KD attempt another Mrazek type trade? Toronto's Boston 1st rounder (#28) for a late 2nd or 3rd round pick? Hawks move up 25-40 spots in the draft.

LA wants to resign Gavrikov and possibly Korpisalo (or look for a goalie on the market) and need the cap space. Petersen, two more years at 5M plus at least a 2nd or prospect for future considerations?

We spoke earlier about Garland from the Canucks. Relieving VAN of 3 more years at 4.9M should earn the Hawks a sweetener. Similar to taking on T. Johnson from Tampa Bay a couple of years ago when he had 3 years at 5M remaining on his contract. Hawks got a 2nd at the time with Seabrook going the other way.

Mantha from WSH and Bailey from NYI will be on expiring contracts. They may be just as easily be bought on by their respective teams rather than be traded away along with an asset.

Do the Rangers want to move Goodrow Barclay? 4 more years at 3.6M?

Probably a few more out there.
- boilermaker100

It's a good idea in theory but not practical, especially with yesterday's news of Soderblom being resigned, guaranteeing him an NHL contract while Stauber and Commesso hold down the fort in Rockford. Unless the Hawks find a new home for Mrazek, there's simply no room for another goalie on this roster.

I'm still a strong advocate of trading for Garland and finding a way to swap 1's with Vancouver. It's the move that makes the most sense for both clubs.

I do believe he cannot go to Rockford at his age and league.
- wiz1901

Wiz, I see Yager's stock is falling in this year's draft. You have him at 14. Wasn't he a projected top 5 pick last year. Do you know what the story is and would you take him at 19/20 if available?

Next blog should be: who will the Blackhawks get to play with Bedard?

https://youtu.be/z4gLxIUH1f0

Training video. He looks very quick.

Holy crap. Aside from the fact that KD isn't going to offer Kane or JT another contract, and has publicly stated that he wants the new players to grow into leadership roles themselves, there is this.

https://twitter.com/SNYRa...?cxt=HHwWqMC96fLkwPMtAAAA

Patrick Kane is asked about possibly returning to the Blackhawks in free agency:

"They're rebuilding, so that's never crossed my mind to be honest with you"

Let. It. Go.
- Chunk

its a stretch...I know that. Could it happen still? 2% chance. That kane quote was before they landed Bedard.

Think guys don't look around the league and see the influx of young talent and be drawn to it like a magnet? McDavid, Hughers,

Did Kane just a buy a massive house up north? Is his wife from here? Does he have anything else to prove in the league?

Long shot....

Thank goodness a Connor Garland like contract is not in KD's radar


Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
The Blackhawks will need to sign/acquire some decently paid players this summer simply to hit the salary cap floor, but Davidson says they won't be long-term contracts — they want to keep flexibility long-term.
7:22 AM · Apr 13, 2023
·
20.5K
Views
- LAHawk

Which always made sense. Continue to accumulate invaluable draft capital while you have both roster and cap space, as well as time on your side.

Heck, they don't even need to be 2023 draft picks, but future ones are likely easier to obtain plus it helps space out your influx of talent over the coming years rather than having everyone in at once. Load up on 2024, 2025, 2026 picks. Talent needs to matriculate in waves if you want to build a sustainable winner.

It's a good idea in theory but not practical, especially with yesterday's news of Soderblom being resigned, guaranteeing him an NHL contract while Stauber and Commesso hold down the fort in Rockford. Unless the Hawks find a new home for Mrazek, there's simply no room for another goalie on this roster.

I'm still a strong advocate of trading for Garland and finding a way to swap 1's with Vancouver. It's the move that makes the most sense for both clubs.
- TommyHawk

If a veteran goalie cap dump like Murray or Petersen is acquired, I could see Mrazek or Murray bought on. Wirtz has deep pockets and Jamie will sell more season tickets this summer to offset the buyout $$$.

Let’s forget about if the team will let Bedard play in junior next year, it’s a foregone conclusion. GM built good vehicles when the Engineers and cars guys had a say then built crap when the bean counters took over. The question is “should” Bedard play in the WHL next season. As you say he’s not going to get a chance to grow with crappy line mates. Another season in junior allows him to physically grow. Another season in junior means he has a chance to be on winning teams in Regina and for Canada in the World Juniors. And he can work on the defensive side of the game. And it gives the Hawks more salary control before he commands a huge payday. The reasons he should play with the big club. He’s ready. He can start with a mediocre lineup and possibly get more responsibilities including defensively. In LK he’ll play for a coach who demands allot and who he can grow with.

He’s playing with Chicago next season and I’m dying to know how many #98 jersey are going to be sold.
- paulr

Most of the people that have 88 jerseys can just get red duct tape, cover up Kane, and cover up the little part of the 8 to make it look like a 9. Did I just ruin the marketing Dept?